Knights Do It Without Joey

Newcastle proved it could win without captain Andrew Johns after downing a gallant South Sydney 42-28 on Sunday in the National Rugby League clash at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Winger Anthony Quinn, who last played in round two against the Sydney Roosters when he fractured a cheekbone, scored tries in the 21st, 59th and 71st minutes.

The game was in the balance at 26-24 to the home side with 30 minutes remaining before Quinn and centre Timana Tahu bagged three tries between them to bury the enthusiastic Rabbitohs.

Souths, with just one win this season, have further problems following the reporting of second-rower Ashley Harrison for a high shot on Newcastle lock Ben Kennedy, who was forced off the field with concussion.

Kennedy, in his first match back from a shoulder/sternum injury, returned to the field to help the Knights to a 14-point victory.

The Knights were thrashed 46-6 by Melbourne last weekend without Test and NSW halfback Johns, who will return next Sunday for the encounter with premier Sydney Roosters at Aussie Stadium after serving a two-week suspension for a head slam.

Newcastle had won just one of 11 matches without Johns leading into this game and that victory came against Souths, in round 16 last year.

Knights prop and stand-in skipper Matt Parsons, who delayed back surgery by a week to help out his injury-ravaged team, suffered rib cartilage damage and sat out the second half.